Athlone Town 1-1 Longford Town

Athlone Town took on Longford Town on Saturday night in Bishopsgate in the first Midland’s Derby of 2025. The game dubbed as the Irish ‘El Classico’ by many, means that little bit more to the loyal fans of both sides. This one lived up to the billing, a thrilling encounter and a gallant display from the away side, resulting in the teams sharing the spoils.

The game started out with both teams settling into the game with the mundane patterns of play. Several long balls, testing both defences were exchanged in the early passages. Ben Feeney and Gideon Tetteh attempted to get behind the defensive line of Longford Town on multiple occasions as the game began to open up. Dean Williams ambitious strike from 30 yards was the opening effort of the derby, a tame shot from the right boot, which was collected comfortably by the Longford keeper, with both sides beginning to grow in confidence as the first half progressed, it appeared the first goal was on the horizon.

Seconds later, at the opposite end, Cole Omorehiomwan’s failed header back to his goalkeeper, forced Matthew Connor into making a strong save to prevent Longford from breaking the deadlock through Danny Norris. The versatile Norris appeared to be the dangerman for the home side, his pace and directness whilst running with the ball made him a constant target down the left wing for the home side.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned Tetteh continued to cause problems for Longford as his accurate cross found the head of Ben Feeney, who forced an agile save from the Longford keeper, Harry Halwax. It was Feeney who broke the deadlock for Athlone as the game approached the half hour mark. JR Wilson’s cross from the right wing found Cole Omorehiomwan, the resulting header caused chaos for the Longford defence, who failed to clear. The ball fell into the path of Feeney who duly dispatched his effort into the bottom right corner of the net to the jubilation of the away support.

Dean George had the opportunity to reply for Longford following a neat cross from the left boot of Doran, George had a free header at the back post which sailed over the bar to the relief of the Westmeath side. Longford continued to ask questions of the resolute Athlone defence, a Daniel Norris whipped corner saw Dylan Hand concede a penalty as he tussled with the Longford players in the penalty area. Aaron Doran made no mistake in scoring his first league goal for Longford Town, converting from the penalty spot.

As the half progressed, the physicality and intensity of this battle continued, the teams were tied at 1-1 as referee Ian O’Keefe blew the half time whistle. There was one change for Dario Castelo at half time as Noe Baba came in for Billy Gilmore.

Dean Williams continued to get on the ball in an attempt to spur his team on, with his physicality and agility proving useful in a game that required a physical edge. Aaron Connolly’s in-swinging free was met with a leap from Noe Baba, but the substitute failed to hit the target with the first attempt of the half.

Williams appeared to be one on one with the keeper, lining up to shoot, when Longford defender Osaze Irhue heroically slid to keep the slides level as Williams seemed destined to find the net.
Following some intricate play from Longford, Danny Norris marauded down the left wing, cutting it back to the path of Merta on the edge of the penalty box, who’s effort required another fine save from Matt Connor. As Longford continued to pose an attacking threat, Dario chose to bolster his attack, with Kailin Barlow replacing Kyle Robinson who put in a stellar shift.

Halwax was called into action again, with Barlow teasing a ball into the Longford box, the goalkeeper clashed with Cole Omorehiomwan, while managing to keep the ball out, which seemed goalbound. The game continued with some half chances for both sides, as Adam Lennon returned to the pitch, replacing the excellent Tetteh, it was clear that this was going down to the final whistle.

Longford continued to pile on the pressure in injury time, a head injury to Longford’s Norris saw the game slightly delayed in injury time, adding to the suspense and tension within the ground as the game continued. The game finished 1-1, a fitting result in a competitive encounter, resulting in Athlone’s first point on the league table.

Teams
Athlone Town: Matthew Connor; JR Wilson, Dylan Hand, Cole Omorehiomwan, Kyle
O’Connor, Ben Feeney, Billy Gilmore, Aaron Connolly, Gideon Tetteh, Kyle Robinson, Dean
Williams. Substitutes used: Noe Baba, Kailin Barlow, Adam Lennon, Agbo Babatunde, German
Fuentes Rodriguez

Longford Town: Harry Halwax; Osaze Irhue, Andy Spain, Eric Yoro, Dean O’Shea, Dean
George, Eric Topcu, Aaron Doran, Pharrell Manuel, Danny Norris, Daragh Murtagh.

Match report by Jake McLoughlin
Photograph by Thomas Gallagher

Date: March 1st 2025
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Venue: Bishopsgate

Athlone Town travel to Bishopsgate to face Longford Town on Saturday night in the first Midlands Derby of 2025.

In what is dubbed as one of the biggest matches of the season, this encounter serves as an opportunity for Dario Castelo’s men to kick start their season, having succumbed to disappointing defeats against Treaty United and Dundalk FC.

Longford Town are yet to register any points on the board, having registered a defeat against Bray Wanderers on the opening weekend. Their clash in Ferrycarrig Park against Wexford FC fell victim to the rain of last weekend.

What do you need to know?
The Midlands derby has served up some thrilling clashes in the past, with bragging rights on the line, this game means a lot to both supporters, which will contribute to a raucous atmosphere on Saturday night.

Athlone were victims of a Treaty triumph last weekend as the visitors emerged victorious on a scoreline of 5-0. Fans will be yearning for a far superior performance for this local derby, as Athlone hope to begin their climb up the table in the hunt for promotion.

Team News
There are several absentees for Athlone ahead of Saturday’s fixture. Dan Mckenna will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a foot injury while Bastien Hery is also out due to illness. Declan McDaid also misses out due to a hamstring injury which kept him out of last week’s game against Treaty United. Adam Wixted is also added to the injury list with a shoulder injury forcing him to miss the game against Longford. Adam Lennon who has returned to the club is available for selection.

Past Encounters
Athlone fans will have fond memories of the reverse fixture last year, in the 3-3 thriller with Athlone playing with an abundance of pride and passion for the jersey after being 3-0 down at half time, the same fight will be replicated by the team on Saturday.

In the four league games last year, Athlone were victors once on a scoreline of 4-1, while the remaining three games saw both teams share the points.

Key Players to Watch
For Athlone, Giddeon Tetteh proved fruitful off the bench last week, creating chances as he marauded down the wing in the second half in Athlone Town Stadium. Tetteh will be hoping to be in from the start at Bishopsgate, having scored in this fixture last year. His pace and close control could be key to unlocking the Longford defence.

Longford Town’s Emre Topçu will be one to watch, with the former Drogheda United loanee permanently signed to the Midlands side. His ability to control the play from the centre of the pitch as well as acting as an anchor for his centre backs may frustrate the Athlone attack.

Live Coverage
Match tickets can be purchased here
The game will be streamed live on LOITV here
Subscriptions for LOITV can be purchased here

Match preview by Jake McLoughlin
Photograph by Lorcan Withers

Athlone Town 0-5 Treaty United

Athlone Town hosted Treaty United at Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night as both teams looked to secure their first three points of the 2025 campaign. Dario Castelo named a strong starting eleven for Athlone Town’s first home game of 2025, with seven players making their competitive debut in front of the loyal home support.

Athlone started the game well, looking comfortable in and out of possession, spending time in the Treaty United half. An early flurry of corners for Athlone saw the home side start with attacking intent. Kailin Barlow’s ambitious free kick from distance served as the first shot of the game, sailing harmlessly over the Treaty United goal.

The first Treaty United attack resulted in the games opening goal through Treaty captain Lee Devitt, a dangerous cross which the Athlone defence failed to clear saw Devitt knock home a scuffed shot from close range. Athlone Town 0 – 1 Treaty United after a dominant start from Athlone.

Dario’s men continued to remain confident in their attacking build up as play continued, with Aaron Connolly performing well in the opening stages. Once again against the run of play, a spectacular curling effort from Lee Devitt left Matt Connor with no chance as Treaty doubled their lead in the sixteenth minute.

Ben Feeney was unlucky to miss the target from a looping header following a threatening cross from the right wing. A sign of the strength of this Treaty defence, as Athlone continued to advance on the Treaty defence.

Yet another right-footed Barlow free looped the ball onto the head of Cole Omeherion from six yards out, who had to hit the target, in one of Athlone’s best chances of the first half. The Midlanders continued to pose the questions of the Munster sides defence. A ball hooked in from the right wing found Brian Torre, who should have tested Corey Chambers in the Treaty net. Treaty scored their third through Ben Lynch just before half time, beating Matt Connor at his near post, sending Dario’s side in at half time with their heads low and confidence lower following a lack of concentration in key moments.
Half time score Athlone Town 0 – 3 Treaty United.

The teams emerged for the second half, with Dario wasting no time, making four changes as Kyle O’Connor, Kyle Robinson, Gideon Tetteh and Billy Gilmore were introduced as Brian Torre, Cole Omorehiomwan, Noe Baba and Kailin Barlow made way for the home side. Robbie Lynch replaced Ryan Lynch for the away team.

Dylan Hand’s header was cleared off the line by goalscorer Devitt Molloy. Athlone continued to push on and give the home support a beacon of hope. Rory Feeney continued to pose the questions of Chambers’ net as some intricate dribbling from the ever present Dean Williams opened the defence. From here Athlone continued to grow in confidence as they attempted to find a way back into this encounter.

Treaty managed the game well, killing off the momentum through slowing down play and a series of substitutions. Billy Gilmore was a welcome addition in the second half, with his passing ability tempting the Athlone wingers to run in behind Treaty’s defensive line.

As Kyle O’Connor continued to maraud down the left wing, his cross was poorly cleared, falling to JR Wilson who forced a strong save from Chambers. Treaty rarely challenged the home side’s net as the came ticked into the 75th minute. Ben Feeney left the field for Agbo Babatunde, the final sub available to Castelo.

The Treaty defense continued to resolutely resist the oncoming traffic as they clinged onto their clean sheet, while the result seemed defined with 10 minutes to go. Bad went to worse for Athlone, Connor beaten at his near post as Devitt secured his hat-trick, summing up proceedings for Athlone.

Treaty scored their fifth through Mark Byrne which concluded a frustrating evening for Athlone who have the Midlands derby up next away to Longford Town.

Goals: Lee Devitt (10′), Lee Devitt (17′), Benjamin Lynch (43′), Lee Devitt (81′), Mark Byrne (90′).

Athlone: Matthew Connor, German Fuentes Rodriguez, Dylan Hand, Aaron Connolly (C), Dean Williams, Cole Omorehiomwan, Noe Baba, Ben Feeney, John Ross Wilson, Kailin Barlow, Brian Torre. Subs Used: Kyle O’Connor, Agbo Babatunde, Kyle Robinson, Gideon Tetteh, Billy Gilmore.

Treaty United: Corey Chambers, Richkov Boevi, Benjamin Lynch, Lee Devitt (C), Colin Conroy, Yousef Mahdy, Joseph Hanson, Connor Wilson, Evan O’Connor, Eoin Martin, Karl O’Sullivan. Subs Used: Mark Byrne, Vojtech Ptacek, Benjamin Lee, Robbie Lynch, Trpimir Vrljicak.

Attendance: 673
Referee: Robert Dowling

Report by Jake McLoughlin
Photo by Lorcan Withers

Date: February 21st 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

Athlone Town face Treaty United in their first home game of their 2025 First Division Campaign.

With both sides succumbing to defeat on the opening weekend, this encounter will serve as an opportunity for both teams to claim their first points of 2025. Athlone were defeated by Dundalk last week in Oriel Park, while Cobh Ramblers triumphed against Treaty United.

What you need to know
Athlone will come in to this game expecting to emerge victorious. Friday’s opponents finished in seventh place last year, accumulating a total of 44 points in comparison to Athlone’s 55.

Dario Castelo’s men were unlucky to not emerge from an atmospheric Oriel Park with a point, having conceeded in the first half. With a number of debutantes in the first team, Dylan Hand and Brian Torre were the only players on the starting team to feature in Oriel Park for Athlone in their 2024 campaign.

Meanwhile a heartbroken Treaty United left Markets Field on Valentine’s Day having conceded twice in the the 90th and 94th minute. The Limerick side looked as though they were cruising to victory when Lee Devitt Molloy’s dangerous corner found the net.

Team News
Athlone Town will be without the injured Dan McKenna, meanwhile Declan McDaid is a doubt.

Past Encounters
Athlone Town met Treaty United on four occasions in 2024, with Athlone emerging victorious on each occasion by the slender margin of a single goal. Dario will be counting on the fans to be the Athlone’s extra man, rallying behind them and roaring them to victory on Friday night.

Key Players to Watch
Athlone Town’s Noe Baba possesses the skill and technical ability to make the difference in this clash. The versatile defender who joined in January is a physical player who will be hoping to impress on his competitive home debut

For Treaty United, midfielder Colin Conroy is a key cog in this Munster machine. His physical prowess and resolute defending may hamper Athlone’s attack.

Match Tickets
Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here.

Live Coverage
The game will be streamed live on LOITV here. Subscriptions for LOITV can be purchased here.

Match Preview by Jake McLoughlin

Date: 14^th February 2025
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Oriel Park (Dundalk)

Athlone Town will begin their season tomorrow night with a visit to league favourites Dundalk FC. Athlone Town will be back in their Blue and Black strip again this year. It has been 11 years since these teams played in a league game. Following last season’s relegation, Dundalk will aim to establish an early lead. There will be some familiar faces in the Dundalk lineup, including last season’s top scorer Dean Ebbe, goalkeeper Enda Minogue, and midfielder Leo Gaxa, who previously played for Athlone but now joins Ciaran Kilduff’s team.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this week’s match.

Athlone Town have had a good preseason behind them and tested themselves against Premier Division teams for the most part. Dario recruited well and managed to keep a lot of his squad together. They have really strengthened in the off-season and will be looking to be difficult to beat this season.

Dundalk have a new look team for the First Division campaign, but new manager Ciaran Kilduff was very shrewd in his acquisitions. They will be very difficult to take points off this year and are favourites for a reason, as they look to bounce back at the first time of asking.

Team News

Athlone Town AFC will be without Dan McKenna who is sidelined with an injury. Other than that Dario has a full squad to choose from.

Past Encounters

There aren’t too many matches between these clubs to review over that last few years. The last player to score for Athlone Town against Dundalk was Noel McGee when he scored two to grab a draw all the way back in 2008. There were three Premier Division games in 2014 which saw Dundalk win all three. Finally, there was a cup game in 2020 that we don’t want to talk about.

Key Players to Watch

Dundalk Dean Ebbe was great last season with Athlone.  He will hope to continue his good form and help Dundalk return to the topflight.

Athlone Town AFC forward Dean Williams has returned to the club where he had a brief loan spell in 2019. He is a quick striker will be hoping to rediscover his goalscoring habit with Athlone.

Match Tickets
Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here.

Referee Team

Referee Marc Lynch
1st Assistant Referee: Shane O Brien
2nd Assistant Referee: Darren Corcoran
4th Official: Gavin Colfer